Clothing labels and care symbols

Labels on clothing sold in Korea usually show fiber composition, size, care instructions, the manufacturer or importer and the country of manufacture. These markings follow relevant laws and standards, though requirements and exceptions can differ by product type. You will usually find the label on an inside side seam or at the back of the neck.

Honyongnyul is the fiber blend ratio, showing what percentage of each fiber the fabric contains. A cotton and polyester blend, for example, lists the share of each. Reading it gives you a good idea of how the garment will feel, how warm it is, how much it wrinkles and how to wash it.

Many brands do not make clothes themselves but contract production to factories in various countries. So even a Korean brand's clothing may be labeled as made in another country. The country of manufacture is shown on the label if you want to check.

Korea sets its textile care labeling in the Korean Industrial Standard KS K 0021, which uses pictograms similar to the international standard ISO 3758, though not identical. Korean symbols sometimes include Korean words, for example for 'neutral detergent' or 'gentle'. Imported clothing may carry only international symbols.

The washtub symbol means the item can be washed in water, and the number inside shows the maximum water temperature in degrees Celsius. A 30, for example, means wash at 30 degrees or below. A washtub crossed out with an X means do not wash in water.

Wash them gently by hand in lukewarm or cold water with a mild detergent. Rubbing hard or wringing can stretch or shrink the garment. Press out water with a towel, then lay the item flat to dry in the shade.

Circle symbols relate to dry cleaning. Korean labels sometimes show the word 'dry' in Korean inside the circle, meaning the item should be dry-cleaned by a professional cleaner. A circle crossed out with an X means do not dry-clean. Leave such items to a professional cleaner.

The iron symbol shows how to iron the garment. Korean labels may show a suitable temperature as a number inside the iron, or use dots to indicate heat levels, sometimes with a note to iron over a cloth. An iron crossed out with an X means do not iron.

If the washing symbol includes a hand or the Korean word for hand wash, wash by hand rather than in a machine. Even when machine washing is allowed, a 'gentle' marking means you should choose a delicate cycle. If the symbols are confusing, ask the manufacturer or retailer to be safe.

Triangle symbols relate to the use of bleach. A triangle crossed out with an X means do not use bleach. Different bleaches affect fabrics and colors differently, so read both the garment label and the bleach instructions. Even for white clothes, it is a good habit to check the label first.

A hanger symbol usually means the item should be hung on a hanger to dry. Extra marks may add conditions such as drying in the shade, and shapes and meanings can vary slightly by standard or product. If you are unsure, check the written care text on the label or the product guide.

The KC mark shows that a product has passed Korean safety standards. Under the Special Act on the Safety of Children's Products, items such as clothing for children aged 13 and under must go through safety confirmation procedures and display the KC mark. It is worth checking when buying children's clothes.

If a label irritates your skin, you can cut it off, but take a photo of the care and fiber information first. You may need that information if you ask for an exchange or compensation after a laundry mishap. Be careful not to damage the seam when cutting.

When you do not know the fabric, treat the garment in the gentlest way. Hand washing in cold water with a mild detergent and drying in the shade reduces the risk of damage. For valuable pieces, ask a dry cleaner to assess the fabric.

Generally, 'recommended' means dry cleaning is the safest method, while 'only', or a no-water-wash symbol alongside it, should be taken to mean the item must not be washed in water. If the marking is unclear, do not risk washing it at home; consult a dry cleaner.

Labeling on textile products sold in Korea is in principle in Korean, and imported clothing is subject to rules on showing the origin, manufacturer, importer and similar details. That is why officially imported items often have a separate Korean label or tag attached. Clothes bought directly from overseas websites may not have any Korean labeling.

Performance claims such as waterproof, water-repellent or quick-dry are usually printed on hang tags or product information. These functions can fade with washing and use, so check the care instructions too. If there is a specific certification mark, look up what the certifying body says it means.

Leather, suede and fur do not handle water well, so they are hard to wash at home and are usually sent to specialist leather cleaners. Check the fabric and care information on the label first. For storage, hang them somewhere well-ventilated and remove any plastic covers.

If a garment shrinks or loses color, whether it was washed according to the label is a key factor in deciding who is responsible. In a dispute, consumer bodies such as the Korea Consumer Agency may be able to help assess the cause. Keeping the label information and receipt together is helpful.

The fiber content can show materials such as recycled fibers or organic cotton. Some products also carry credible certification marks such as Korea's Environmental Label. If a garment just says 'eco-friendly' without evidence, look for the brand's explanation or certification details.